The Barney Collection is divided into three main sections: Business and Political Papers, New York Custom House Papers, and
Family Papers. The collection also contains one box of photographs and three boxes of miscellaneous printed materials. (For
a complete listing of the contents, consult the Box and Folder List.)

Background

Hiram Barney, lawyer and collector for the Port of New York, was born in Henderson, New York, on May 30, 1811. After graduating
from Union College in 1833, he held a law clerkship and was admitted to the New York bar in 1836. Barney's legal career began
with the firm of William Mulligan in 1836. In 1838, he entered into a partnership with William D. Waterman and in 1841, with
William Mitchell. During the early years of his career, Barney, largely engaged as a "collections" lawyer, did much of his
business in the West, especially Iowa. In 1849, Barney formed yet another partnership with Benjamin F. Butler and his son,
William Allen Butler. After the retirement of the elder Butler and the arrival and departure of James Humphrey, the firm became
known as Barney, Butler, and Parsons. Barney remained with his firm until 1874, when he was retained as special counsel. Barney's
final legal partnership began in 1878 with Edward D. Cowman.

Restrictions

In order to quote from, publish, or reproduce any of the manuscripts or visual materials, researchers must obtain formal permission
from the office of the Library Director. In most instances, permission is given by the Huntington as owner of the physical
property rights only, and researchers must also obtain permission from the holder of the literary rights. In some instances,
the Huntington owns the literary rights, as well as the physical property rights. Researchers may contact the appropriate
curator for further information.

Availability

Collection is open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information
please go to following URL.